Unboxing: What you need to know about Gigabyte AB350M-HD3

AMD recently released its newest processors, code-named Ryzen. Along with the introduction of these new processors of AMD, is the introduction of new motherboards that carry the new socket for the Ryzen processors, called AM4.

Today, we’re going to give you a peek at Gigabyte’s entry-level motherboard, the AB350M-HD3. It is of the mATX form factor and is packed with necessary features for the entry-level segment.

Before we go down with the specifications of the motherboard, let’s take a look at what’s inside the box of the Gigabyte AB350M-HD3 first.

Inside the box, along with the AB350M-HD3 motherboard itself, are a couple of SATA cables, I/O shield, manual and a CD containing the drivers for the motherboard.

Specs-wise, the AB350M-HD3 is packed with the basics one would look for from an entry-level motherboard. Up top near the AM4 Socket are two DIMM slots that can max up to 32GB of DDR4 memory, and can handle speeds up to 3200Mhz.

Two fan headers are present on this motherboard, located near the 8-pin power port and near the DIMM slots just above the CPU Socket. These fan headers are dubbed as “Hybrid Fan Headers”. The Hybrid Fan Headers automatically detects the type of cooling solution that is connected to the motherboard, be it fan or pump. These fan headers supports up to 2 amps and comes with an over current protection.

Gigabyte packs the AB350M-HD3 with a Dual BIOS feature which solidifies its reliability, it ensures the usability of the motherboard in case a BIOS failure occurs.

Storage ports are of ample amount on this motherboard. It has four SATA3 ports and two additional ASATA3 ports. The SATA3 ports support RAID 0/1/10 configurations.

When it comes to latest innovation in storage technology, the AB350M-HD3 does not fall short, faster storage speed option is enabled through its M.2 Gen 3 x4 port sitting perfectly in the PCIe lane. Theoretically, this M.2 Gen 3 port when partnered with a M.2 SSD device could bring up to 32Gb/s transfer rate.

The AB350M-HD3 can support 2-way Crossfire™ or Multi-graphics through its PCIe x16 and PCIe x4, and there is a PCIe x1 for additional expansion option.

The I/O panel of the AB350M-HD3 has a generous amount of USB ports. There are four USB 3.1 ports, and two USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports(red). The 3.1 Gen 2 can go up to 10Gb/s, that’s about 2x faster than its predecessor. There are two USB 2.0 ports, which are systematically placed just above the PS/2 port, for mouse and keyboard connectivity.

Gamers will surely love the Realtek GbE LAN port of the AB350M-HD3, because of its cFosSpeed feature that essentially improves network latency and helps maintain low ping times which are prevalent in crowded LAN environments.

The AB350M-HD3 does not lack when it comes to audio outputs, it has three ports for user’s audio needs. However, if one wants to utilize a 7.1-channel then the use of a HD audio module will be needed. This option is enabled thanks to Realtek’s ALC887 codec, on-board the AB350M-HD3, which has independent SPDIF-OUT headers. Adding more bling to the motherboard is a yellow LED Trace Path Lighting found near the High-End audio components of the motherboard. Not only does it give additional bling, the Path Lighting also shows the separation of the audio components from potential noise pollution at the PCB level.

As for output options, the AB350M-HD3 has DVI-D, D-Sub and HDMI ports that enable multi-monitor setup. Both the DVI-D and D-Sub ports can support a monitor with up to 1920×1200 resolution running at 60Hz. While the HDMI port can go up to 4K(4096×2160) running at 24Hz.

If you’re planning to rock a new Ryzen processor but is being held back by the total price of your planned build, then the AB350M-HD3 might be the motherboard that will fulfill that Ryzen build you’ve been planning for. It’s a budget-friendly motherboard that is packed with the necessary features that you will need.